Solitude: The quality or state of being alone. A condition of being apart from all human beings or being cut off by decision. Deliberate withdrawal from the world.

Matthew 14:22-23

Mark 1:35

Luke 6:12-13

Silence is peaceful

God whispers – He is the divine whisperer.

Silence gives us the opportunity to listen and not speak. Without silence, there is no solitude.

The tongue is a thermometer and thermostat. It both gives and regulates our spiritual temperature. The more calm you are in spirit, the calmer your words will be.

Solitude is choosing to be alone and to dwell on our experience of seclusion from other human beings.

Solitude frees us from being locked into patterns of action, thought, and feelings set against God.

Jesus purposefully sought out places to be alone.

Solitude is more a state of mind and heart than it is a place.

Solitude allows us to confront our own soul.

God sometimes will send us into solitude for us to be alone. When God sends us into solitude it is most likely there that God shows us what is in our life that does not conform to Christ’s image. There is probably a mindset, or a sin that we have to confess.

“It is in deep solitude that I find the gentleness with which I can truly love my brothers. The more solitary I am the more affection I have for them…Solitude and silence teach me to love my brothers for what they are, not for what they say.”

Thomas Merton

Whether in your home, outside or if you have to take a short drive – regularly seek out places of solitude to be alone with God.